Brake light system reacts to bike slowing, even if not using brakes

[Bob]

Slowing down using engine braking is a common device used by motorcyclists. Just one problem; the brake lights are not activated to let following traffic know you are slowing down.

The solution: Vololights is a brake lighting system for motorcycles, that illuminates even when the rider is slowing down by downshifting or using engine braking.

Vololights is comprised of eight red LEDs, a microprocessor, and a 3-axis accelerometer, which is stored under the numberplate. It can, after being calibrated, detect any noteworthy decrease in speed. An algorithm running in the microprocessor is designed to filter out false alarms, such as when the rider is slowing the bike while descending steep hills.

If the rate of deceleration indicates a normal braking scenario, the Vololights’ two rows of four red LEDs will flash alternately at a rate of two times per second – this just alerts drivers to the fact that the motorcycle is slowing. If the bike decelerates very quickly, however, the lights will flash five times a second

The designers are now raising production funds for Vololights, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$79 will get you a system, when and if they’re ready to go.

[Drew]

I really can't see the point in this. Anyone so close to the back of me while I slow down gently without brakes, should be going slow in traffic situations anyway.

[Haggis2]

If you want to let traffic know you're slowing down, touch the brakes on to bring the light on without actually braking. Simple really and doesn't cost US$79

[Akzle]

i did wonder what was missing from my bike , now i know. flashing lights.

and i was wondering how much more annoying to other road users i could possibly be, i think i'll get two.

[idb]

There're all sorts of accessories that bikes don't have.
Boy racers have got all that cool stuff at Supercheap to spend their money on, I want spinning hubs on my Ducati!

[Drew]

There're all sorts of accessories that bikes don't have.
Boy racers have got all that cool stuff at Supercheap to spend their money on, I want spinning hubs on my Ducati!
They can't have these though...
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UHoHAmrEbrk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[scumdog]

They can't have these though...


Almost there - I've got wheel-less hubs!:banana:

[idb]

They can't have these though...
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UHoHAmrEbrk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Pretty cool, but those two $10,000 bearings (!) sound shagged already.

[Drew]

Pretty cool, but those two $10,000 bearings (!) sound shagged already.There

is another way to do it. By sorta having a rail around the edges of the rim, and bearings that clamp them. Drive is a bit messier that way though I think.

[Subike]

They can't have these though...


that thing could only travel in straight line.
How the fuck would it turn left hand corner? ride on the chain?
What a dumb fuck Idea for a bike, May bee an American one, sorry scummy

[Drew]

that thing could only travel in straight line.
How the fuck would it turn left hand corner? ride on the chain?
What a dumb fuck Idea for a bike, May bee an American one, sorry scummy


Ummmm, THE WHEELS HAVE NO CENTRES. Who the hell cares how it rides, that is engineering for the sheer fuck of it, and looks SICK.

The other system I've seen used, has gears or rollers running the inside of the rim for drive. So although it is a hundred finger job to assemble, your concerns are addressed.

[Daffyd]

I really can't see the point in this. Anyone so close to the back of me while I slow down gently without brakes, should be going slow in traffic situations anyway.

"Should" being the operative word!

[Drew]

"Should" being the operative word!

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

[idb]

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

I think cyclists look cool.
That's why I wear lycra when I'm riding...I know everyone's looking at how cool I am.

[Daffyd]

The situation I was talking about, is not what you imply, I don't think.

I'll put it differently. If a car is catching me too quickly for whatever reason, it's because I'm on the brakes. (Little red light is redundant).

If traffic is moving at a crawl and I don't need my brakes, how would he be going fast enough for it to be an issue.

Little red lights, mean sod all to unobservant drivers. Ask any cyclist. (I hate cyclists).

On that note, lets not make ourselves look more like cyclists, which SHOULD be off to the left of the road...Not that the cunts on bicycles think that.

I was alluding to the usual inattention of the average motorist. I was in no way criticising your comments. No offence intended.

[wysper]

Just to go against the grain here. I like the idea.

[Drew]

I was alluding to the usual inattention of the average motorist. I was in no way criticising your comments. No offence intended.

No offence taken.

I think that things like this although it can't hurt, with enough popularity for no real reason can be forced on others. I would much rather see any financial backing in this, in the name of safety, spent teaching people to actually ride.

[bogan]

Well, its no more of an unnecessary design than wireless instrument lights, so I'll shut the hell up :bleh:


Pretty cool, but those two $10,000 bearings (!) sound shagged already.

Cringed as he said they were 10k bearings while hitting them with a hammer...


Ummmm, THE WHEELS HAVE NO CENTRES. Who the hell cares how it rides, that is engineering for the sheer fuck of it, and looks SICK.

The other system I've seen used, has gears or rollers running the inside of the rim for drive. So although it is a hundred finger job to assemble, your concerns are addressed.

I think technically that is still a hub (center), it just has a really large hole through the middle. That other way is true hubless, but I think also a true nightmare to make work, what with the rolling surface being open and the alignment needing to be exact.

[willytheekid]

"Slowing down using engine braking is a common device used by motorcyclists. Just one problem; the brake lights are not activated to let following traffic know you are slowing down.
The solution: Vololights is a brake lighting system for motorcycles, that illuminates even when the rider is slowing down by downshifting or using engine braking."


:laugh:...I EXPECT! motorists not to see me!, or give two shits about if Im slowing down, turning, stopped or other wise!, which is why I tend to pay attention to what other motorists are doing, ALL AROUND ME!...yes...EVEN BEHIND ME!, that way I only need to rely on myself!...not other road users observational skills or "little flashing lights"
...if they get to close or are approaching to fast, I then either flick the brake light to get there attention, or failing that...get prepared to move the hell out of there way!
Ive successfully avoided a few rear enders just by using my mirrors!, and I think that sounds like the more effective option:yes:

...instead of fitting even MORE flashing lights! :rolleyes:

[Tarded]

I agree. I take my safety as my responsibility. Nobody is as worried about my hide as me.

Not even my Mummy :laugh:

Although I spose over the years she has made better suggestions than I have on how to treat it!

I dont believe cars are out to get me, they are too ambivalent to care which is the real problem in my eyes.

[Akzle]

Nobody is as worried about my hide as me.

Not even my Mummy

Although I spose over the years she has made better suggestions than I have on how to treat it!

im not entirely sure where to go with this.
Have you been at the sherry?

[AndyR1]

First of all brake pads are much cheaper than a new transmission so using more the brakes rather than the transmission is the key. Like already mentioned before, just a quick step on the rear brake and then continuing cruising is good.

Then you should just keep distance as a rule of thumb 50% of your actual speed in meter...50kph=25m....100kph=50m
As motorcycle and car driver you show be aware all the time what's going on behind you. Driving 15m behind someone on the motorway in NZ with 100kph is a :no:...I step on my Brembos and the car has no chance to even reach his pedal ;-)

Keep that in mind and drive without blinkers - look more was other people are doing and keep distance !!!!

:baby:

[Drew]

First of all brake pads are much cheaper than a new transmission so using more the brakes rather than the transmission is the key.

The gearbox in most bikes, is made to be used on acceleration and slowing down. Dog boxes are strong as all fuck, and modern sportsbikes almost all have slipper clutches so riders can down shift in anger without the rear letting loose.

[AndyR1]

How do you slow down your bike coming to a turn - by shifting down? How do you drive to a stop or nearly stop - by using slipper clutch and hammering down few gears?

Still you should using the brakes to stop the bike/car - on the track and on public roads. Crusing is different if you just need to slow down very gently or get your foot from the pedal - but that's not braking that's slowing down gently. And I doubt that you are changing even gears because you also don't close your throttle. Most cars having automatic transmission and no slipper clutch, bikes are opposite :drinknsin

The slipper clutch has obviously other function rather than to support your braking right? And cars don't have them usually as well. Or you also let your clutch out very fast so the slipper clutch is wearing out much more than normal - on public roads normally I use it ver very seldom...we are not racing there. If you are racing you are using it without to worry about rev matching - but still I brake with brakes to slow my bike down not my transmission nor the slipper clutch which makes the braking distance even longer but more comfortable.

[Drew]

I use the front brake, and the motor to slow me down. For some reason I thought you said to use the rear brake and not the motor, wasn't paying attention sorry.

The rear brake is almost useless in an emergency braking situation or when you're riding fast, because there is next to no weight on the back wheel.

[AndyR1]

I use the front brake, and the motor to slow me down. For some reason I thought you said to use the rear brake and not the motor, wasn't paying attention sorry.

The rear brake is almost useless in an emergency braking situation or when you're riding fast, because there is next to no weight on the back wheel.

:drinknsin

We know what we are doing - just using the rear brake for slowly slowing down so it has something to do and don't get rusty :msn-wink:

[Drew]

:drinknsin

We know what we are doing - just using the rear brake for slowly slowing down so it has something to do and don't get rusty :msn-wink:Mine doesn't get rusty. I use it a lot while doing wheelies. Come to think of it, I do use it from time to time in slow traffic, or coming to a complete stop from fuck all speed.